FRM Venus Cross rear hub
FRM Venus Cross rear hub

FRM Venus Cross Wheels

 

FRM Venus Cross Wheels

 

By Rob Allen

 

Preview of the FRM Venus Cross tubular disc wheels

 

Having experienced FRM’s superb Urano 29er XC team clincher wheels and as cyclocross addicts, we were thrilled when we found out they were producing some disc braked ‘cross tubular wheels – the FRM Venus Cross tubular. FRM produce a €1999 (euros) carbon version, but FRM kindly sent us a pair of the alloy version to review, which retail for €837…

 

FRM Venus Cross tubular disc wheels

FRM Venus Cross tubular disc wheels

 

Out of the box, the quality looks characteristically good. The rim bed is wide to accept the broader base tape of cyclocross tubulars, and they weigh 10 grams less than the claimed 1395g; plenty svelte enough for us.

 

FRM Venus Cross rear hub

FRM Venus Cross rear hub


 

We always like wheelsets that come with the signature of the person that built them; a small touch that speaks volumes. Characteristically for FRM, both the hubs and rims are made in Italy, each wheel being built up with 32 Sapim Laser spokes. FRM say that there is a single length of spoke used in the wheelset, that being 280mm.

 

FRM Venus CX is a good looking wheel

FRM Venus CX is a good looking wheel


 
Hubs are FRM’s Venus Super Race and accept 10 or 11 speed Shimano or SRAM cassettes. Thoughtfully, a bearing tool kit and two spare spokes are included with the wheels.

 

FRM Venus Cross rim

FRM Venus Cross’ wide rim seats the tubulars nicely


 

Quick release skewers are not included – unsurprisingly given the manufacturer’s Mountain Bike heritage the quick releases required are 9 and 10mm rather than the standard skinny road skewers. This should give a secure fit and keep things rigid.

 

Impressive: FRM wheelbuilder's signature

Impressive: FRM wheelbuilder’s signature

 

One of the great things about cyclocross bikes going to disc brakes is that it allows cross pollination with the very best mountain bike technology, and we think these wheels will support the argument for that being a good thing.

 
They are currently having a pair of Challenge Chicane tubs stretched on them, then we will get them glued and ridden. The combination should make for a seriously rapid wheelset, which we are looking forward to riding.

 

Look out for a full review soon on Cycletechreview.com.

 
 
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FRM Website

 

Written by

Simon Whiten (London and Northumberland, UK) has been riding for over 20 years and raced the road and the track extensively in the UK and Europe. He is obsessed with the turbo trainer and the ‘shortcut to race fitness’.

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1 Response

  1. 20/04/2015

    […] We’ve had the opportunity over recent months to put some proper miles on the FRM Venus Cross wheels we previewed recently… […]

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